When butterfly pea flower tea first showed up in my kitchen, it was thanks to a little pouch of dried petals a friend brought back from Thailand. I remember setting the kettle on the stove while Emily stood beside me, curious as ever, and Lucky the dalmatian curled up by our feet. We had no idea what magic was about to bloom in that teacup.
Just one steep and we were hooked—the tea turned a brilliant indigo blue, like something out of a fairy tale. Add a squeeze of lemon, and it shifts to a rich violet. It was one of those rare moments where nature feels like a magician.
Today, Emily keeps a small jar of those dried blossoms tucked into our pantry, and this tea has become part of our afternoon wind-down ritual. Whether you’re brewing it hot, iced, or turning it into a calming evening latte, you’ll love how simple and soothing it is.
Table of Contents
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
A naturally vibrant tea that brews a deep indigo blue and turns violet with lemon—calming, beautiful, and full of antioxidants.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeped
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers (about 5–6 flowers)
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, fresh mint, or ginger
Instructions
- Heat one cup of water to just below boiling (around 200°F / 93°C).
- Add the dried flowers to a teapot or mug and pour hot water over them.
- Let it steep for 5–10 minutes. The longer you steep, the deeper the color.
- Remove or strain out the flowers.
- Add lemon juice (for color change), honey, mint, or ginger if desired.
- Enjoy hot, or chill and serve over ice.
Notes
The tea’s color-changing effect is perfect for entertaining guests. Try blue ice cubes for a whimsical twist in lemonade or cocktails.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it beautifully blends simplicity with elegance. At its heart, butterfly pea flower tea is nothing more than dried petals and water, yet the transformation it undergoes when steeped feels almost magical. The deep blue hue that blooms in the cup is not just mesmerizing—it’s a reflection of the flower’s natural pigments, anthocyanins, which bring both color and wellness benefits.
What makes this tea so special is that it doesn’t require complicated steps or rare ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, forgiving in its measurements, and easy to customize to your mood. Whether you want something to soothe you at night or impress your friends with a vibrant, color-changing drink, this recipe adapts effortlessly. It’s the kind of tea that quietly weaves itself into your routine, becoming a small, beautiful ritual—one that Emily and I now look forward to every evening, especially when the sun dips low and the air smells like fresh mint from the garden.
How to Enjoy This Drink
There’s a quiet charm to butterfly pea flower tea that invites creativity. Emily loves hers hot with a swirl of honey stirred in, a comforting drink she sips while winding down after dinner. On warmer days, we brew it a little stronger and let it chill in the fridge before serving it over ice with lemon slices.
The lemon doesn’t just brighten the taste—it turns the tea from deep blue to purple, a transformation that always draws delighted gasps at our family table. On slower mornings, I sometimes blend the steeped tea with steamed oat milk and a dash of maple syrup for a silky, calming latte. We’ve even used it as a whimsical addition to homemade lemonade, where Emily drops in blue ice cubes made from leftover tea, watching the swirls of color dance through the glass. Whether you take it warm and grounding or iced and uplifting, this tea invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and enjoy a few quiet sips of serenity.
Ingredients of the butterfly pea flower tea
You only need a few simple items to get started:
- 1 teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers (about 5–6 flowers)
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, fresh mint, or ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil water: Heat one cup of water to just below boiling (around 200°F / 93°C).
- Steep flowers: Add the dried flowers to a teapot or mug and pour hot water over them.
- Steep time: Let it steep for 5–10 minutes. The longer you steep, the deeper the color.
- Strain: Remove or strain out the flowers.
- Flavor: Add lemon juice (for color change), honey, mint, or ginger if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, or chill and serve over ice.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Benefits
What makes butterfly pea flower tea truly special isn’t just its color—it’s the quiet wellness it brings with every sip. This tea has been cherished in traditional Thai and Ayurvedic practices for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins, it helps the body fight inflammation and oxidative stress, gently supporting your overall health.
Many believe it aids in calming the mind, which is why Emily likes to brew a cup before bed—it’s her little peace ritual. Some say it promotes healthier skin and hair due to its nourishing flavonoids, while others enjoy it for its mild detoxifying properties. It’s naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect for any time of day, especially if you’re looking to cut back on stimulants without giving up a cozy drink. And although the science is still catching up to tradition, those of us who drink it regularly can agree on one thing: it helps us pause, slow down, and feel just a bit more in tune with ourselves.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea good for?
Butterfly pea flower tea is commonly used to reduce stress, support healthy skin and hair, and provide antioxidant protection. It’s also known for its calming effect and ability to improve focus, making it a lovely drink for both mornings and evenings.
Is it safe to drink butterfly pea flower tea every day?
For most people, drinking butterfly pea tea daily is perfectly safe. Since it’s caffeine-free and gentle on the system, many enjoy it as part of their daily wellness routine. However, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medication, it’s always wise to consult with your doctor.
What are the side effects of butterfly pea flower tea?
Side effects are rare, but drinking large amounts may cause mild digestive discomfort or nausea in some individuals. As with most herbal teas, moderation is key. Start with a small cup and see how your body responds.
What does butterfly pea tea taste like?
Butterfly pea tea has a very mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes. It’s not overpowering, which makes it easy to blend with lemon, honey, ginger, or mint. The tea’s neutral profile allows its natural color and gentle aroma to shine.
Looking for Another Natural Wellness Drink?
If you’re enjoying the gentle, calming effects of butterfly pea flower tea, you might also love our Natural Mounjaro Recipe over on Joyful Bite Recipes. Crafted with digestion-friendly ingredients and inspired by Brazilian wellness traditions, this drink supports gut health, reduces bloating, and keeps hydration deliciously simple. It’s another soothing sip you’ll want to add to your daily routine—just like this magical blue tea.
Conclusion
Butterfly pea flower tea is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. From its vibrant color shifts to its calming benefits, it’s one of those rare recipes that feels both grounding and magical. Whether you’re brewing a cup to sip under the stars or serving it at your next brunch, let it be a moment of stillness and beauty in your day.
As Emily says, “Every tea tells a story. And this one’s pure enchantment.”
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